10 Common Moving Scams And How To Avoid Them

Dec 06, 2022 According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 40% of Aussies moved within the last five years. Luckily most of these house moves are done without any fraud incidents, but it is still good to protect yourself and prevent any moving company from scamming you. Scam artists can target any age group, background and income level across Australia and are getting smarter at cheating you of your money. The best way to avoid scams is to look for reputed removalists in Adelaide and conduct in-depth research. If you are moving for the first time in Adelaide, you must be aware of these ten common moving scams and how you can avoid them: 10 Moving Scams

1. Low-Priced Estimates

Type of Scam The first type of scam is when your removalist service in Adelaide offers you an unbelievably low price for packing and moving your belongings. In this situation, the moving company will scam you, take your deposit, and disappear. Solution Therefore, to avoid such a scam, you must go beyond the pricing and look at two to three different moving companies. Next, you must look at the average market rate of removalists in Adelaide and then ask for an estimated quote from these companies. You can see who is genuine if the pricing matches the market rate accurately and thus can avoid getting scammed.

2. No Estimate

Type of Scam Besides the low-balled estimate scam, there is also a chance that your moving company won’t provide you with any estimated quote. They will conduct all their business only on the phone and won’t personally inspect your belongings. This is a major scam as trustworthy moving companies always consider the weight of your belongings, the kind of move and the access and then provide an estimated quote. If they are not providing you with an estimate, it means they will charge you high rates after your move is over. Solution You must ask your moving company for an estimated quote and have them visit your apartment to see how many belongings there are. If they refuse, you should avoid hiring them and find more reliable moving companies.

3. False Licenses

Type of Scam If you ask your moving company for their license and they present you with a document that does not look authentic, it could be a scam. These companies also provide fake references and create fake websites. Solution You must protect yourself from scams by knowing who you are dealing with and asking a lawyer to look at their license. You should also conduct in-depth research and look at third-party sites to see if there is any mention or review of the removalist service. It is better in such cases to hire removalists who have been recommended by friends and family and whose licenses are certified.

4. Blank Contract

Type of Scam If you have narrowed down a removalist service in Adelaide and they ask you to sign a blank contract, it is a scam. This is because they want your signature on the contract and can then fill in any details so that you end up paying high amounts at the end of the move. Solution The best way to avoid getting pulled into this situation is by asking for everything in writing. You must only sign a moving contract once all the details and estimated quote are filled in, and you know exactly what to expect at the end of your move.

5. Hidden Clauses

Type of Scam If your moving company has given you a binding contract to sign, it is important to read it in detail, as some companies will include hidden clauses. These clauses can change your total estimated cost so that you pay higher moving rates than originally stated. Solution To avoid this, you must thoroughly review the fine print and check for any hidden terms before signing the contract. You should also have a lawyer look at it to see if there are any terms you missed or need help understanding.

6. Extra Fees

Type of Scam What some moving companies in Adelaide will try to do is to exclude certain services from your contract on purpose. They will then offer these services at an extra charge at the end of the move. Thus, you will be stuck paying these additional fees. Solution A sign of a great removalist company is that they provide and include comprehensive services in their original quote. You should opt for a binding contract where all costs and services have been included so that you know what to expect.

7. High Deposits

Type of Scam If your removalist service in Adelaide asks you for large deposits at the beginning, it could be a scam. These fraudulent companies will generally take the deposit and never show their face again. Solution You should avoid this by only paying 20% of your estimated quote. If a company asks you for a high deposit, it is better to avoid them.

8. Keeping Your Goods

Type of Scam One of the major moving scams is the hostage situation, where the moving company will keep your goods and, in return, ask for a high price. Since you want your goods back, you will pay the amount they request for your goods. Solution The best way to avoid this scam is to conduct in-depth research on the moving company you are hiring. Go online and check third-party sites and contact former clients to get their feedback before you hire a respected removalist service in Adelaide.

9. Unprofessional Labourers

Type of Scam In this scam, your moving company will provide you with a contract, and once the deal is finalised, they will assign this to a third party. These movers might have inexperienced labourers and equipment to carry out your move and will thus provide a low-quality service. Solution You must speak to your removalists in Adelaide in advance and ask them if they use permanent employees or subcontract their work. You should also ask former clients about the same to avoid falling for this scam.

10. Insurance Protection

Type of Scam Lastly, if your moving service does not offer insurance protection, it is a scam. Most reputed moving companies will offer you either full protection to replace the cost of your goods or partial protection to repay a percentage of this amount. If you hire these services, you could face major losses if your goods get damaged while on the move. Solution You must avoid dodgy removalists in Adelaide by asking them about their insurance coverage in advance. This will help you avoid paying hefty bills to repair or recover damaged items.

Conclusion

Thus, you must look at the above ten moving scams and avoid them completely. You must do in-depth research, talk to former clients and look at certificates and insurance claims before choosing a professional removalist service to help you move.